America’s Team: The Official History Of The Dallas Cowboys

One of the great joys of writing for this site is that every once and a while an opportunity comes to further my education about the team and the NFL. Well, today I present to you, a must have for every Dallas Cowboys fan, “America’s Team: The Official History Of The Dallas Cowboys” written by Jeff Sullivan. Now I don’t consider myself much of a reader, but when I started reading this book, I could not stop.

From the very first word from Jerry Jones describing his passion for football and his desire to own the Cowboys, to the last acknowledgement, I found myself at a wonder at all the new insights, and different perspectives I was picking up. While Sullivan was the major writer, the book contains excerpts written by people who have followed the team for years. There is a excerpt, written by Steve Sabol, that discusses how the Dallas Cowboys became “America’s Team”, another written by Pat Summerall (legendary voice of football) telling how he enjoyed such a great relationship with former coach Tom Landry and a different side of Jerry Jones.

The book is extremely detailed and takes the reader on an amazing journey from the moment the Dallas Texans came into the league, to the Dallas Cowboys arrival, finishing with the building of the most amazing football facility in the world, Cowboys Stadium. All along the way, stopping with biographies on players of the different eras, and perspectives offered by people close to the organization.

Not only is the book well written, but there are plenty of amazing photos. Sullivan even managed to get his hands on a copy of the original certificate granting the Cowboys membership into the NFL in 1960. There is great game photos from the early days all through 2009, mixed in with some great shots away from the field. There is a whole section devoted to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders that educates the reader on their beginnings, the blessing they are to the troops serving abroad, and of course, many great photos.

I thought I knew a lot about the Cowboys and their history, after reading this book I realized that I did not know the half of it. I have actually come away with a different perspective on the team, it’s current owner, and it’s legendary history. This book is a must own for anyone who considers themselves a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

A little about the author:

Jeff Sullivan is a columnist and feature writer for Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine, as well as the editorial director at Panini America, Inc. Sullivan previously served as a sports writer for The Boston Globe, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and Pawtucket Times. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, and on ESPN.com. He lives in Arlington, Texas.

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Who was the first Dallas Cowboy to be inducted into the Ring of Honor?